NEWS
Combining strengths
MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd acquires US-based Gentz Industries
MB
Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies, has announced the multi-million pound acquisition of US-based Gentz Industries. The strategic acquisition doubles the size of MBAe’s current operations creating an international brand with total revenues in excess of $80m per annum. The group will focus on the supply chain management, manufacture and repair of highly complex machined and fabricated components for global aerospace and defence original equipment manufacturers. The group, which has operations in Motherwell, Derby and Burnley, completed the sale of its two non-core subsidiaries, MB Faber (in August 2009) and MBAe Oil & Gas (March 2011), as part of its strategy to focus on its key aerospace business. Gentz Industries, based in Detroit, North Michigan, has an outstanding reputation within the global aerospace industry, manufacturing complex, high-precision engine components to an established customer base, comprising some of the leading names in the global aerospace market. The deal will see the merger of Gentz Industries’ 250 strong workforce with MBAe’s three UK sites in Scotland and England, bringing the total number of employees in the group to more than 400. Visit: www.mbaerospace.co.uk
Atlas Copco acquires Chinese compressor business
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tlas Copco (China) Investment Co. Ltd has acquired certain assets of Guangzhou Linghein Compressor Co. Ltd. The acquisition supports Atlas Copco’s profitable expansion in China, adding a brand of industrial air compressors with a strong regional presence. Linghein, founded in 2001, is located in the city of Guangzhou in South-East China. The company has a turnover of approximately MCNY 110 (MSEK 100) and 160 employees. The company primarily designs and produces small
and medium-sized oil-injected rotary screw compressors. It has over the years established a solid organisation with sales and service representation in various regions over China and a strong distributor network. The acquired business will become part of Compressor Technique’s Industrial Air division. It will continue to operate under its own brand, in line with the Atlas Copco Group’s well established brand portfolio strategy. Visit: www.atlascopco.com
Sika acquires Axim from Italcementi Group
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ika is to acquire the global concrete admixture and cement grinding aid businesses of Italcementi Group, which are on the market under the brand Axim. Axim has approximately 150 employees and through six legal entities operates several production units and sales
Bosch plans acquisition of voltwerk electronics GmbH
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he Bosch Group plans to acquire voltwerk electronics GmbH, a Hamburg-based supplier of electronic components and software solutions for the operation of photovoltaic arrays. An agreement to this effect has been signed with Conergy AG. The acquisition is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.
18 Industry Europe
organisations in Italy, France, USA, Canada, Morocco and Spain. Axim has a history of over 30 years of experience in the market and offers a broad and innovative range of concrete admixtures, cement grinding aids and specialised chemicals that enhance
the performance of cement and concrete, as well as improving cement production efficiency. “The agreement,” stated Giovanni Ferrario, COO Italcementi Group, “will allow the group to capitalise on the value of this business.” Visit: www.sika.com
In 2010, voltwerk electronics and its roughly 100 associates generated sales of some €68 million. Its product portfolio mainly comprises string and central inverters for photovoltaic arrays. “In acquiring voltwerk electronics, Bosch can enter the inverter market, as well as draw on a broad product portfolio ranging from 3kW string inverters to 1400kW central inverters,” said Dr Volkmar Denner, the Bosch
board of management member responsible for research and advance engineering. Alexander Gorski, Conergy’s director of operations and sales, commented: “We are very pleased to have found an investor and partner that is so highly regarded and strong as Bosch. It will now develop and drive forward the business of voltwerk electronics.” Visit: www.bosch.com
